23 October 2006

The W2F-1 Hawkeye (later re-designated YE-2) first took flight on 21 October 1960.

We've come a long way to this (E-2C Hawkeye 2000)

And the future looks bright:

Northrop Grumman has completed assembly of the first E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and battle management test aircraft fuselage. System components are now being added into the fuselage structure. This first of two E-2D test aircraft will fly next year. E-2D's will be a key node in the U.S. Navy's operational architecture for the future: Sea Power 21. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Of course as we get deeper into the History of AEW series, more will be said of the Hawkeye -- suffice for now to recognize a most significant milestone. How many military aircraft, much less carrier-based, can say they have both been flying in this basic design for 40+ years AND still be in production? -SJS

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Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have.

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About Me

Ok, here are the vitals:
* Born in NC, raised a Nebraskan and now a Virginian by dint of marriage, taxes and tution(s) paid/paying (and you thought it was just death and taxes that were universal constants...)
*Blessed with marriage to the same wonderful (and exceptionally tolerant)woman for 24 years w/three great kids (see tuition ref above)
*Graduated from The Citadel, Naval Postgrad School and Naval War College
* Retired as an O-6 after serving twenty-six years in the finest Navy in the world: * Naval Flight Officer & Squadron CO (E-2C Hawkeye - 3500+ hours and 551 traps)
* CVN navigator
* Multiple Joint penance duties in DC and and elsewhere (slow learner)
* Now flying a desk but doing what I can to still help (БУДЕТ наукой ракеты!)